HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 67

(By Delegates Linville and Cannon)

[Originating in the Committee on Technology and Infrastructure; Reported on March 7, 2023]

Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study the effects of using blockchain technology on vital public and government data security.

Whereas, A blockchain is a distributed ledger of data with constant growing records that are securely linked and distributed over a wide network of computers; and

Whereas, Each record added to the ledger is accompanied by timestamps and other metadata intended to provide data integrity and accuracy across all computers within the network; and

Whereas, Any member or user of a specific blockchain can call upon this metadata and verify it its veracity and be confident that the data is correct; and

Whereas, Blockchain use began as a way to manage cryptocurrency trading; and

Whereas, Other organizations are finding that the security of using blockchains is a safer, more accurate, and often cheaper form of data security than current options; and

Whereas, The State of West Virginia maintains extensive data on its residents; and

Whereas, That should a data breach occur, the effects can be devastating to the lives of its residents; and

Whereas, The data maintained by the State of West Virginia is constantly susceptible to outside attackers via ransomware and other cyber attacks; and

Whereas, The security of this data has a financial burden on the State of West Virginia; and

Whereas, The use of blockchain technology may provide a cost savings to the state while affording stronger security; and

Whereas, The House Committee on Technology and Infrastructure finds that the potential use of blockchain technology to protect its throngs of sensitive data requires in-depth consideration from all sides of the issue; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to study the effects of using blockchain technology on vital public and government data security,

Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the Legislature, on the first day of the regular session twenty twenty-four, on its findings with any suggestions for legislation to effectuate its recommendations; and, be it,

Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report, and to draft necessary legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.